Charleston, S.C. - The Citadel All-America receiver Andre Roberts was selected by the Arizona Cardinals in the third round of the 2010 National Football League Draft, announced Friday in New York. The announcement was made before a live, nationally televised audience on the NFL Network.
Roberts, a 5-11, 195-pounder from Columbia, S.C., was the 24th pick in the third round and the 88th overall pick. He becomes the first Bulldog drafted since Nehemiah Broughton's seventh round selection to the Washington Redskins in 2005 and the 15th Bulldog in Citadel history to be drafted to play professional football (the 12th to the NFL). His selection marks the second highest pick by any Bulldog behind John Small, who was a first round selection in the 1970 NFL Draft (Atlanta Falcons). Roberts becomes the fourth Citadel player selected by the Cardinals among those 12 draftees.
"I am just so excited right now. It's been a long week knowing that the draft was this weekend. Now I'm drafted. I'm happy and I'm an Arizona Cardinal now. Now it's time to work," Roberts said. "Of course I couldn't be here without my Bulldog family. I really appreciate the love that they've shown me for four years."
Roberts currently holds school records for single game catches (14), single game punt returns (8) and season records in catches (95), receiving yards (1,334) and punt return yards (461). He is also the school record-holder for career catches (285), receiving yards (3,743) and punt return yards (1,160). Roberts was the 2008 National Champion in punt return yards (FCS) and finished his collegiate career second all-time in the Southern Conference for career catches and receiving yards and fourth in punt returns yards.
A three-time All-American, Roberts was named a finalist for the Walter Payton Award in both 2008 and 2009. After concluding his senior season in November, he was invited to the East-West Shrine Game but declined to accept an invitation to the 2010 Under Amour Senior Bowl. He was also invited to the 2010 NFL Scouting Combine where he left an impression on many team scouts and was thought to have improved his stock from a potential fifth round pick to a possible third or fourth.
"The entire Citadel program is extremely proud of Andre for all his accomplishment. Graduating in three and a half years with over a 3.0 GPA from the Business College is a testimony to the character of this fine student athlete," said Head Coach Kevin Higgins. "I know being drafted in the National Football League has been a dream of Andre's since his arrival at The Citadel. We will watch with pride as Andre represents us in the days ahead. We all just became Arizona Cardinal fans."
Having completed graduation requirements in December, Roberts will march with his class on Saturday, May 8 for The Citadel's 2010 Commencement Exercise. He has earned a bachelor of arts degree in business administration with a concentration in accounting.
For more information on Bulldog Football, visit the official website of The Citadel Athletics at www.CitadelSports.com.
